Albuquerque, NM — Exagen Diagnostics, a specialty diagnostics laboratory that discovers, develops and markets proprietary tests, announced today the completion of the company’s office expansion at the University of New Mexico Science and Technology Park. The expansion, which includes new space for both offices and a laboratory, allows Exagen to accommodate growing test volume for its gastroenterology products and the transition of the company’s newly acquired rheumatology diagnostic products to Albuquerque.

"We are pleased to see the rapid adoption of our gene expression tests for the diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome," said Scott Glenn, Exagen CEO. "New Mexico is a wonderful environment to build a business, and our success will create an ongoing need for employees in operations, research and development, sales and marketing."

In the coming year, Exagen plans to double its sales force and hire 16 additional employees, including technical lab personnel, marketing directors, customer service and billing staff. Sales force personnel will be geographically based; all others will be based in Albuquerque.

In addition to commercial laboratory testing, Exagen has an active Research and Development group that will use some of the new space to complete various programs in both rheumatology and gastroenterology. With a commitment to personalized medicine, Exagen is focused on discovering and developing tests for individualized diagnostic information. A number of products are expected to be launched in 2011 and 2012.

SOURCE: Exagen Diagnostics